Come and sit a spell!
June is the perfect month to think about outdoor spaces and how to market our front porches to welcome buyers. In the South, we’re well known for our easygoing porches where family and friends gather to visit, sip sweet tea and watch the kids play on the front lawn. Whether your porch is big or small, we’ve got the right-sized tips to help buyers imagine themselves chilling at the end of a warm day while passing time on your porch.
In addition to sweet tea and friends, we’ve put together a short list of key “ingredients”
to make a great first impression that starts at the porch:
#1) Grab the bucket and soap -
Just like the inside of the home, your porch needs to be pretty much spotless. Give all surfaces a good pressure washing and/or cleaning. Once on the market, sweeping and blowing off the porch regularly is a must!
#2) How about a fresh coat of lipstick?!
Repaint and/or stain front shutters, posts and front door if tired, sun bleached, peeling or dated. Refresh your front door – (i.e. – new paint in a cheerful bright color and new hardware, topped with a simple green wreath should do the trick!). As buyers pause at your front door waiting to gain access, their eyes will be fixed directly on that door. Be sure it has something positive and inviting to say back to them.
#3) The power of the pillow -
Make them want to get out of the car! You can sell the porch just like your interior spaces with a few enticing pieces of outdoor patio furniture and accessories. A pair of matching rockers and/or a porch swing are always so welcoming and create a sense of “HOME”. We recommend a generous sprinkling of color – don’t hold back on fun patio accent pillows and cushions. Room for a small end table in between the porch chairs? Top it with a bright blooming plant.
#4) Do the numbers add up?
Wake up those tired house numbers and make sure they’re clearly visible from the street. We suggest installing new black numbers, vertically stacked right next to the front door (spray painting old numbers matte black is okay, too). If you’re feeling extra creative, add a simple metal piece of wall art (space permitting) or a new black retro wall-mounted outdoor light fixture (yes black to match the numbers). Like the inside of your home, your porch should be tasteful and updated to create broad appeal.
#5) Plants that Persuade –
Plants are always a great way to get people in the door! Plants are amazing conversation starters and show buyers that your home is well-loved. Potted seasonal plants are a must for adding a pop of color (either the container color or plants themselves) to your porch. Select plants that require minimal upkeep (keep them looking healthy for showings) while providing maximum impact. Hanging ferns are a wonderful choice to showcase Acadian-style homes with covered porches. Window boxes are making a comeback and can also add an extra serving of curb appeal charm.
#6) Take them to the mat -
Welcome mat, that is! A new and energetic welcome mat placed at the front door will ensure buyers are super excited as they step across the threshold into “their” new home!
